Erdogan calls Imran, appreciates his offer to India for de-escalating tensions

ISLAMABAD: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday telephoned Prime Minister Imran Khan and congratulated the latter on his statesman-like offer to India for de-escalating tensions and working towards peace.

Erdogan said that Islam is a religion of peace that underscores resolving disputes in a peaceful manner, according to a statement issued from the PM Khan's office.

Appreciating the announcement by the Pakistan premier to release the captured Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot Abhinandan, the Turkish president pointed out that this gesture was "a sign of strength."

During the conversation, the statement said, Khan briefed the Turkish leader on the situation as it evolved over the past few days and the efforts he made to de-escalate the crisis.

He also referred to the extremely difficult situation in Indian-occupied Kashmir (IoK) and brutalities inflicted upon the Kashmiri people.

Khan thanked Turkish president for his constant support to Pakistan and the Kashmiri people.

The two leaders agreed that President Erdogan’s visit to Pakistan for the Pakistan-Turkey High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council meeting would provide the opportunity for an in-depth overview of bilateral relations and the way forward, the statement read further.

On the occasion, PM Khan underscored that "Pakistan is the one country that will always stand by Turkey," it added.